The Purdue basketball frontcourt should operate without pressure

Purdue basketball has just emerged from one of its most remarkable seasons in modern history. The Boilermakers captured the Big Ten Championship, featured two All-Big Ten First Team players, including the back-to-back National Player of the Year, Zach Edey. Their run to the Final Four, only to be defeated by a dominant UConn squad, underscored a season filled with high expectations and even higher achievements. With Edey now in the NBA, the spotlight shifts.

Purdue basketball transitioning from a dominant era

The departure of Zach Edey signals the end of an era that saw Trevion Williams and Edey reign supreme in the paint. While Edey’s rise may have overshadowed Williams, remember that Williams was a two-time All-Big Ten performer who was selfless enough to let Edey shine and embrace his new role.

The upcoming 2024-25 season marks the conclusion of a big man focused five-year period. The Cousy award finalist and First-Team All-Big Ten guard Braden Smith becomes an upperclassman, and the Purdue basketball program is poised to embark on a new chapter. This season is expected to balance the dynamics more closely to the 2018-19 team, emphasizing team chemistry and following the lead guard along with hopeful guards Fletcher Loyer and Myles Colvin.

The one difference to that 2018-19 team can be the post. Sophomore Matt Haarms and true freshman Trevion Williams took hold of the frontcourt duties. In NCAA tournament play, Haarms was playing 32+ minutes. The current Purdue frontcourt is in better shape than that 2019 Elite Eight team. The experience, offensive potential, and overall ceiling is much higher with this 2024-25 frontcourt group.

Key frontcourt players for Purdue basketball

Trey Kaufman-Renn: With Zach Edey out of the picture, Kaufman-Renn is positioned to step into a more prominent role. His ability to dominate the low post and his relentless motor make him a candidate to thrive this season. Kaufman-Renn’s previous experience sharing the court with Edey has prepared him for a larger role, and his on court performance will be important. This is Kaufman-Renn’s frontcourt job. His commitment to the program with an outstanding motor, starter from a national title contending team, he has more than earned this moment. Nothing is given in Matt Painter’s Purdue basketball program, but we fully expect Kaufman-Renn to take the reigns.

Credit: @trey_renn on IG

Kaufman-Renn is going to thrive, and he’s ready and chomping at the bit for his new role but I am more interested in the frontcourt hierarchy. Who falls in behind Kaufman-Renn? Who won’t just be a sub for Kaufman-Renn but may push Kaufman-Renn to the power forward spot? Painter is not afraid to toy with the two big lineup if he believes it gives Purdue a better chance at winning.

Frontcourt depth chart battle

Caleb Furst: Despite high expectations early in his career, Furst has faced challenges in finding his rhythm under Coach Matt Painter. Purdue supporters, including myself, are hoping to see Furst rediscover his confidence before his time at Purdue ends. We saw the hype as a four star and the high potential we saw freshman year. Furst has left a lot of us confused with his trajectory under Matt Painter’s guidance. It’s hard to understand when year in and year out Painter’s players yield improvement across the board. At the end of the day there’s only so much Painter can do as the head coach. He can’t want success more than Furst himself.

Will Berg: At 7’2″, Berg has the size and presence to impact games defensively. His ability to play effectively for extended minutes could be a key factor for Purdue. Berg’s focus on finishing strong around the rim and controlling the paint will be crucial. His minutes are going to depend on the incoming freshmen who have both been making big waves this Summer.

Purdue incoming big men

Daniel Jacobsen: Standing at 7’4″, Daniel Jacobsen is the next giant to join Purdue basketball. Jacobsen’s impressive performance at the FIBA U18 championships for Team USA has generated considerable excitement. His defensive awareness and ability to hit jump shots have garnered a lot of positive attention. His work against the other Purdue big men in workouts will be more important than any scrimmage or live basketball they can simulate. If Jacobsen can find a way to be dependable finishing around the rim and rebounding, he could find a spot in the rotation.

Credit: @djacobsen_ on IG

Raleigh Burgess: The 6’11” 240 pound true freshman has been a fun topic whenever Purdue rolls out a new practice clip because he always looks the part. Burgess is comfortable, mobile, and finishes strong around the basket. Will not be surprised if he sees action early with a chance to earn more minutes as the season goes.

Embracing the Competitive Spirit

Coach Matt Painter’s philosophy of meritocracy ensures that playing time is earned rather than given. This competitive environment will push both veterans and newcomers to elevate their performances. The frontcourt players, though currently overlooked, have the opportunity to make significant impacts if they embrace their roles and contribute consistently. The success of Purdue’s transition into this new era will rely on the roster’s ability to adapt and improve together.

Thank you for reading Boiler Wire, the market’s fastest growing Purdue sports outlet. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Purdue athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at sportswriterpg@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. Boiler Up!